How to See if Pilot Light is On Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The pilot light on a water heater is an essential component that ensures your household has a steady supply of hot water. A working pilot light ignites the burner, which in turn heats the water stored in the tank. If your pilot light is not working, you may not be able to enjoy warm water for bathing, cleaning, or other household needs.
What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small flame that sits at the base of your water heater’s burner system. Its primary function is to ignite the burner at regular intervals, maintaining the desired temperature of the water in the tank.
How to Check if Pilot Light is On Water Heater
Before we dive into the steps, please make sure you have taken some safety precautions:
- Shut off the power supply to the water heater to ensure your safety while performing this check.
- Familiarize yourself with the emergency shut-off valve in case you need to stop the water flow.
Here are the steps to follow to check if the pilot light is on your water heater:
Step 1: Locate the Pilot Light
- Check the manual: Consult your water heater’s manual or installation instructions to locate the pilot light.
- Inspect the exterior: Look for a small metal door, knob, or lever labeled "Pilot Light" or "Ignition System."
- Inspect the interior: If you don’t find it outside, you may need to lift the lid or inspect the interior of the water heater to locate the pilot light.
Step 2: Check the Pilot Light Indicator
- Lighted indicator: Some modern water heaters have a built-in lighted indicator next to the pilot light.
- Indicator cap: Check if there is an indicator cap or glass over the pilot light.
Step 3: Light the Pilot Light
If you find the pilot light extinguished or unable to light, you can re-light it by:
- Pressing the ignition button: If your pilot light has an electronic ignition, press the ignition button.
- Lighting with a match or lighter: If your pilot light requires a manual light source, use a match, lighter, or the light from a nearby pilot flame.
Step 4: Verify the Pilot Light is On
To verify the pilot light is functioning correctly:
- Feel the heat: Run your hand over the exterior of the water heater. A warm or hot spot around the pilot light area indicates the pilot light is lit.
- Listen for the sound: If your water heater has an operating sound, such as a gentle hum or chatter, it could indicate the pilot light is functioning properly.
Common Issues
- Pilot Light Keeps Going Out: The most common issue with a pilot light is it blowing out due to insufficient oxygen or incorrect lighting techniques. Make sure the water heater is properly vented, and the pilot light is lit correctly.
- Pilot Light Not Functioning: If your pilot light is not functioning at all, it could indicate a faulty thermocouple or gas supply issue.
Conclusion
In this article, we have walked you through the steps to identify and verify if your water heater’s pilot light is working properly. A lit pilot light ensures your water heater runs efficiently and provides hot water for your household.
